The signing class is headlined by a quintet of Division I transfers.
Source: NMSU Athletics
Article and Photo By: Emilio Garcia
As summer winds down and students return to campus, the Aggies have been hard at work, bringing in new members of the Crimson & White. In total, NM State adds 18 student-athletes for the 2024-25 season, including six males and 12 females.
Head Coach Joseph Rath hit the borderland hard on the recruiting trail, bringing a quintet of student-athletes to the City of Crosses, including a pair of distance runners from San Elizario HS. The Aggies also brought in seven transfers, including Marlee Cavitt, a dual-sport athlete who will play on the NM State soccer team in the fall.
With these new additions, NM State’s roster now stands at 55 student-athletes.
As summer winds down and students return to campus, the Aggies have been hard at work, bringing in new members of the Crimson & White. In total, NM State adds 18 student-athletes for the 2024-25 season, including six males and 12 females.
Head Coach Joseph Rath hit the borderland hard on the recruiting trail, bringing a quintet of student-athletes to the City of Crosses, including a pair of distance runners from San Elizario HS. The Aggies also brought in seven transfers, including Marlee Cavitt, a dual-sport athlete who will play on the NM State soccer team in the fall.
With these new additions, NM State’s roster now stands at 55 student-athletes.
Jonah Archer | Distance | Phoenix, Ariz. | Grand Canyon | Jr.
Joins the Aggies after transferring from the WAC’s Grand Canyon… took 27th overall with a personal best time of 25:11.90 (4.5 miles) at the George Kyte Classic… in the 8k recorded a time of 25:21.00 at the Santa Clara Bronco Invitational, a new personal best.
LeslieAnn Apodaca | Distance | Las Cruces, N.M. | Centennial HS | Fr.
A local product out of nearby Centennial High School, advanced to the NMAA State Championships in 2023, posting a personal best time of 1:02.12 (400m) after taking first place (1:02.64) at the District 3-5A Championships… holds personal best marks of 13.51 (100m), 27.03 (200m), and 2:48.87 (400m)… also competes in cross country, recording a personal best of 23:13.30 at the NMAA 5A-3 championship.
Khloi Bird | Distance | Topeka, Kansas | Butler CC | Jr.
Transfers in to NM State following two seasons at Butler CC… a two-time NJCAA Championship participant in indoor and outdoor competition, as well as an appearance at the NJCAA XC Championships… took third in the 10,000m run at the 2024 NJCAA Outdoor Championships, posting a personal best time of 36:56.20… also holds personal bests of 17:39.54 (5000m) and 18:30.8 (5k, XC).
Ellie Breckenridge | Throws | Albuquerque, N.M. | La Cueva HS | Fr.
A three-time NMAA State participant, recording a personal best and third-place finish in the discus with a mark of 37.33m (122-6″)… also earned the District 5A-2 championship in the event with a throw of 34.74m (114′)… posted a best finish of fifth place in the javelin at the NMAA District 5A-2 championship, tallying a mark of 27.12m.
Marlee Cavitt | Sprints | Sacramento, Calif. | Portland | So.
Joins the Aggies after spending her freshman season at the University of Portland… posted the fastest times on the team in the 100m dash (11.74 seconds) and the 200m dash (24.39 [+2.5 m/s])… recorded personal bests during indoor season with a mark of 7.44 in the 60m dash, while crossing the line with a time of 24.06 in the 200m dash… closed the outdoor season with a trio of first place finishes at the Oregon Twilight and L&C Portland Distance Carnival… in high school, earned two trips to the California Interscholastic Federation Track & Field Championships in the 100m dash, taking second in the CIF Sac-Joaquin regional with a personal best of 11.74 (+2.7 m/s).
Orion Chavez | Distance | Albuquerque, N.M. | Volcano Vista HS | Fr.
A three-time participant at the NMAA XC Championships, posting a personal best of 15:42.16 (5000m) to take third overall in 2023… tallied personal bests in the 1600m (4:38.79) and the 3200m (10:07.47) in 2024… Earned a spot in the NMHSCA All Star XC Meet after taking fourth in the New Mexico State XC Championships.
Andrew Gibby | Distance | Chandler, Ariz. | Arizona | So.
Joins NM State after competing for one season at the University of Arizona… recorded a personal best time of 25:27.70 at the Pac-12 XC Championship… in high school, was a three-time AIA State Championship participant in cross country and a two-time participant in track & field… in 2021, competed at the NXR Southwest Regional, taking 17th overall with a time of 16:55.0… holds a personal best of 15:04.40 in the 5000m run (XC).
Valeria Macias Casas | Distance | Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila | Jr.
Becomes a part of the NM State squad after spending a pair of seasons at Universidad Autonama de Coahuila in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
Angel Maese | Distance | San Elizario, Texas | San Elizario HS | Fr.
A four-time UIL State participant in cross country, taking 12th overall with a time of 16:05.80 (5000m) in 2023… recorded a pair of appearances at the NXR South Regional (’21, ’23), finishing 11th in 2023 with a time of 16:08.40… a two-time participant in the UIL 4A regional, recorded a best finish of fifth in the the 1600m run (4:41.08) this past April… holds personal bests of 16:05.70 in the 5000m (XC), 4:29.47 in the 1600m and 3.04m (10-0″) in the pole vault.
Jaylah McDonnell | Sprints | Chandler, Ariz. | Hamilton HS | Fr.
A four-time Arizona AIA State Championship participant… finished third in the 200m dash at the Championships in 2024 with a personal best of 24.54, while also placing fifth in the long jump finals with a personal best mark of 5.48m (18-0)… in 2022 participated in the Great Southwest Track & Field Classic, recording a distance of 4.90m (16-1.25″) in the long jump… also holds personal bests of 12.31w (100m) and 59.21 (400m).
Rachel O’Brien | Distance | Adams State | Jr.
In 2023, she helped Adams State claim the Division II Indoor Track & Field Championship… earned All-RMAC honors at the 2023 RMAC Indoor Track & Field Championships, helping the 4×400 team take second overall… holds personal bests of 2:08.51 (800m) and 4:23.03 (1500m), with collegiate bests of 2:10.37 (800m), 4:30.94 (1500m) and 1.49m (HJ).
Alexandra Ordaz | Distance | San Elizario, Texas | San Elizario HS | Fr.
Advanced to the cross country UIL Regional three times, with a best finish of 23rd in 2024, recording a time of 13:10.00 (3200m)… posted a personal best time of 20:21.30 (5000m) at the NXR South Regional, taking 47th overall… a two-time UIL Regional participant in track & field, recording a best finish of sixth in the 3200m (12:08.85)… holds personal bests of 11.51.55 in the 3200m and 5:30.72 in the 1600m.
Amanda Radava | Distance | Grobina, Latvia | ULM | Jr.
Joins the Crimson & White after a trio of seasons at the University of Louisiana Monroe… helped the Warhawks take the gold medal in the DMR at the 2023 Sun Belt Indoor Track & Field Championships, posting a combined time of 11:49.82, while recording a time of 2:11.30 in the 800m (finishing fifth overall) and 4:31.95 in the 1500m (fourth overall) at the 2023 Sun Belt Outdoor T&F Championships… holds personal bests of 1:02.78 (400m hurdles), 2:10.54 (800m) and 20:03.03 (5k, XC).
Kylie Rubrecht | Throws | Glide, Ore. | Umpqua CC | Jr.
Joins NM State after a pair of seasons at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon… earned All-NWAC honors in the javelin after recording a mark of 37.13m (121-10″)… holds a personal best of 38.19m (125-3″).
Marisa Sena | Distance | Albuquerque, N.M. | Volcano Vista HS | Fr.
Adds to the NM State team after competing at Volcano Vista High School… posted a personal best of 20:02.22 in the 5000m run at the NMAA XC Championships… advanced to the NMAA 5A Track & Field Championships in the 800m run… participated in the 2021 NXR Southwest Region meet, posting a 5000m time of 21:08.90.
Sahara Tasker | Sprints | Allen, Texas | Allen HS | Fr.
Exploded onto the scene in her senior season, advancing to the UIL State Championships in the 400m dash, finishing seventh with a time of 56.23… recorded a personal best of 55.58 in the event at the UIL 5A Region 2/6A Region I Championships, finishing second… posted the top mark of 56.24 in the UIL 6A District 5 Championship… also holds personal best of 24.97 (+2.5 m/s) in the 200m.
Gabriel Uranga | Distance | El Paso, Texas | Franklin HS | Fr.
Becomes the second Aggie on the roster from Franklin HS, joining junior Jordan Torres… recently took first overall at the UIL 6A – District 1 Championships in the 800m, posting a time of 2:03.86; also took second at the meet in the 1600m (4:39.09)… took part in the UIL State Championship cross country meet, finishing with a time of 16:19.20… posted a time of 16:12.20 at the NXR South Regional… holds personal bests of 54.76 (400m), 2:01.29 (800m), 4:33.66 (1600m) and 16:09.32 (5k, XC).
Leo Valenzuela | Distance | El Paso, Texas | El Paso HS | Fr.
A two-time UIL State Championship participant in cross country, posting a best finish of 43rd with a time of 16:19.90 (5k)… advanced to the UIL 4A/5A District 1 Championships in the 800m, finishing eighth with a time of 10:06.34; also qualified in the 1600m finishing 11th with a time of 4:32.95… holds personal bests of 15:55.41 (5k, XC), 9:37.69 (3200m) and 4:31.08 (1600m).
“We’re excited to welcome our new recruits to campus. For men’s cross country, transfers Andrew and Jonah will bring immediate experience, and freshmen Leo, Angel, Gabriel, and Orion may quickly join our top seven.
On the women’s Track and Field/Cross Country side, transfers Rachel, Amanda, Khloi, Valeria, and freshman Alexandra will help in replacing six departing distance seniors (who hold many of our current distance school records). While Marlee Cavitt, along with freshmen Sahara, Jayla, and Julissa will strengthen our sprints and jumps. Kylie will also boost our javelin throwers.
We may add one or two more athletes at semester, but we are eager to see how this class will enhance our strong returning group.” said Head Coach Joseph Rath.
For complete coverage of NM State Track & Field, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateXCTF), Instagram (@NMStateXCTF), and like us on Facebook (NMStateTrackXC).
Jonah Archer | Distance | Phoenix, Ariz. | Grand Canyon | Jr.
Joins the Aggies after transferring from the WAC’s Grand Canyon… took 27th overall with a personal best time of 25:11.90 (4.5 miles) at the George Kyte Classic… in the 8k recorded a time of 25:21.00 at the Santa Clara Bronco Invitational, a new personal best.
LeslieAnn Apodaca | Distance | Las Cruces, N.M. | Centennial HS | Fr.
A local product out of nearby Centennial High School, advanced to the NMAA State Championships in 2023, posting a personal best time of 1:02.12 (400m) after taking first place (1:02.64) at the District 3-5A Championships… holds personal best marks of 13.51 (100m), 27.03 (200m), and 2:48.87 (400m)… also competes in cross country, recording a personal best of 23:13.30 at the NMAA 5A-3 championship.
Khloi Bird | Distance | Topeka, Kansas | Butler CC | Jr.
Transfers in to NM State following two seasons at Butler CC… a two-time NJCAA Championship participant in indoor and outdoor competition, as well as an appearance at the NJCAA XC Championships… took third in the 10,000m run at the 2024 NJCAA Outdoor Championships, posting a personal best time of 36:56.20… also holds personal bests of 17:39.54 (5000m) and 18:30.8 (5k, XC).
Ellie Breckenridge | Throws | Albuquerque, N.M. | La Cueva HS | Fr.
A three-time NMAA State participant, recording a personal best and third-place finish in the discus with a mark of 37.33m (122-6″)… also earned the District 5A-2 championship in the event with a throw of 34.74m (114′)… posted a best finish of fifth place in the javelin at the NMAA District 5A-2 championship, tallying a mark of 27.12m.
Marlee Cavitt | Sprints | Sacramento, Calif. | Portland | So.
Joins the Aggies after spending her freshman season at the University of Portland… posted the fastest times on the team in the 100m dash (11.74 seconds) and the 200m dash (24.39 [+2.5 m/s])… recorded personal bests during indoor season with a mark of 7.44 in the 60m dash, while crossing the line with a time of 24.06 in the 200m dash… closed the outdoor season with a trio of first place finishes at the Oregon Twilight and L&C Portland Distance Carnival… in high school, earned two trips to the California Interscholastic Federation Track & Field Championships in the 100m dash, taking second in the CIF Sac-Joaquin regional with a personal best of 11.74 (+2.7 m/s).
Orion Chavez | Distance | Albuquerque, N.M. | Volcano Vista HS | Fr.
A three-time participant at the NMAA XC Championships, posting a personal best of 15:42.16 (5000m) to take third overall in 2023… tallied personal bests in the 1600m (4:38.79) and the 3200m (10:07.47) in 2024… Earned a spot in the NMHSCA All Star XC Meet after taking fourth in the New Mexico State XC Championships.
Andrew Gibby | Distance | Chandler, Ariz. | Arizona | So.
Joins NM State after competing for one season at the University of Arizona… recorded a personal best time of 25:27.70 at the Pac-12 XC Championship… in high school, was a three-time AIA State Championship participant in cross country and a two-time participant in track & field… in 2021, competed at the NXR Southwest Regional, taking 17th overall with a time of 16:55.0… holds a personal best of 15:04.40 in the 5000m run (XC).
Valeria Macias Casas | Distance | Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila | Jr.
Becomes a part of the NM State squad after spending a pair of seasons at Universidad Autonama de Coahuila in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
Angel Maese | Distance | San Elizario, Texas | San Elizario HS | Fr.
A four-time UIL State participant in cross country, taking 12th overall with a time of 16:05.80 (5000m) in 2023… recorded a pair of appearances at the NXR South Regional (’21, ’23), finishing 11th in 2023 with a time of 16:08.40… a two-time participant in the UIL 4A regional, recorded a best finish of fifth in the the 1600m run (4:41.08) this past April… holds personal bests of 16:05.70 in the 5000m (XC), 4:29.47 in the 1600m and 3.04m (10-0″) in the pole vault.
Jaylah McDonnell | Sprints | Chandler, Ariz. | Hamilton HS | Fr.
A four-time Arizona AIA State Championship participant… finished third in the 200m dash at the Championships in 2024 with a personal best of 24.54, while also placing fifth in the long jump finals with a personal best mark of 5.48m (18-0)… in 2022 participated in the Great Southwest Track & Field Classic, recording a distance of 4.90m (16-1.25″) in the long jump… also holds personal bests of 12.31w (100m) and 59.21 (400m).
Rachel O’Brien | Distance | Adams State | Jr.
In 2023, she helped Adams State claim the Division II Indoor Track & Field Championship… earned All-RMAC honors at the 2023 RMAC Indoor Track & Field Championships, helping the 4×400 team take second overall… holds personal bests of 2:08.51 (800m) and 4:23.03 (1500m), with collegiate bests of 2:10.37 (800m), 4:30.94 (1500m) and 1.49m (HJ).
Alexandra Ordaz | Distance | San Elizario, Texas | San Elizario HS | Fr.
Advanced to the cross country UIL Regional three times, with a best finish of 23rd in 2024, recording a time of 13:10.00 (3200m)… posted a personal best time of 20:21.30 (5000m) at the NXR South Regional, taking 47th overall… a two-time UIL Regional participant in track & field, recording a best finish of sixth in the 3200m (12:08.85)… holds personal bests of 11.51.55 in the 3200m and 5:30.72 in the 1600m.
Amanda Radava | Distance | Grobina, Latvia | ULM | Jr.
Joins the Crimson & White after a trio of seasons at the University of Louisiana Monroe… helped the Warhawks take the gold medal in the DMR at the 2023 Sun Belt Indoor Track & Field Championships, posting a combined time of 11:49.82, while recording a time of 2:11.30 in the 800m (finishing fifth overall) and 4:31.95 in the 1500m (fourth overall) at the 2023 Sun Belt Outdoor T&F Championships… holds personal bests of 1:02.78 (400m hurdles), 2:10.54 (800m) and 20:03.03 (5k, XC).
Kylie Rubrecht | Throws | Glide, Ore. | Umpqua CC | Jr.
Joins NM State after a pair of seasons at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon… earned All-NWAC honors in the javelin after recording a mark of 37.13m (121-10″)… holds a personal best of 38.19m (125-3″).
Marisa Sena | Distance | Albuquerque, N.M. | Volcano Vista HS | Fr.
Adds to the NM State team after competing at Volcano Vista High School… posted a personal best of 20:02.22 in the 5000m run at the NMAA XC Championships… advanced to the NMAA 5A Track & Field Championships in the 800m run… participated in the 2021 NXR Southwest Region meet, posting a 5000m time of 21:08.90.
Sahara Tasker | Sprints | Allen, Texas | Allen HS | Fr.
Exploded onto the scene in her senior season, advancing to the UIL State Championships in the 400m dash, finishing seventh with a time of 56.23… recorded a personal best of 55.58 in the event at the UIL 5A Region 2/6A Region I Championships, finishing second… posted the top mark of 56.24 in the UIL 6A District 5 Championship… also holds personal best of 24.97 (+2.5 m/s) in the 200m.
Gabriel Uranga | Distance | El Paso, Texas | Franklin HS | Fr.
Becomes the second Aggie on the roster from Franklin HS, joining junior Jordan Torres… recently took first overall at the UIL 6A – District 1 Championships in the 800m, posting a time of 2:03.86; also took second at the meet in the 1600m (4:39.09)… took part in the UIL State Championship cross country meet, finishing with a time of 16:19.20… posted a time of 16:12.20 at the NXR South Regional… holds personal bests of 54.76 (400m), 2:01.29 (800m), 4:33.66 (1600m) and 16:09.32 (5k, XC).
Leo Valenzuela | Distance | El Paso, Texas | El Paso HS | Fr.
A two-time UIL State Championship participant in cross country, posting a best finish of 43rd with a time of 16:19.90 (5k)… advanced to the UIL 4A/5A District 1 Championships in the 800m, finishing eighth with a time of 10:06.34; also qualified in the 1600m finishing 11th with a time of 4:32.95… holds personal bests of 15:55.41 (5k, XC), 9:37.69 (3200m) and 4:31.08 (1600m).
“We’re excited to welcome our new recruits to campus. For men’s cross country, transfers Andrew and Jonah will bring immediate experience, and freshmen Leo, Angel, Gabriel, and Orion may quickly join our top seven.
On the women’s Track and Field/Cross Country side, transfers Rachel, Amanda, Khloi, Valeria, and freshman Alexandra will help in replacing six departing distance seniors (who hold many of our current distance school records). While Marlee Cavitt, along with freshmen Sahara, Jayla, and Julissa will strengthen our sprints and jumps. Kylie will also boost our javelin throwers.
We may add one or two more athletes at semester, but we are eager to see how this class will enhance our strong returning group.” said Head Coach Joseph Rath.
For complete coverage of NM State Track & Field, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateXCTF), Instagram (@NMStateXCTF), and like us on Facebook (NMStateTrackXC).
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